I ALWAYS write a grocery list! I can't function without one! I'm pretty good at sticking to it, but I would say that I probably buy anywhere between 1-5 "impulse buys" while doing my weekly shopping. If I'm just stopping by for a couple things, I usually don't buy anything else. I'm just in and out of the store quickly.

Is sticking to the list really hard for you to do?!

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Bekah
Co-founder and CEO of the NOVITZKE FAMILY INC.

I stick to my list but if I see something on sale that wasn't advertised I might change a meal to go with the sale. I write what I am cooking for the week on the bottom of my list so it's easy to scratch something off and add another meal if it works out better.

I stick to my list also, but if I find a good sale then I'll purchase those items. I also buy what DH and I call a "splurge" item for each of us. It's just a little treat that is not expensive. Something to look forward to.

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I agree with Bekah, et al that 1-5 off-list items rest in my basket at checkout.
Unadvertised sales account for about half of my unplanned purchases, and splurge items the other half. I try to buy the splurge items on sale.

My favorite sale buy is low-sodium broth in a can. I also make my own when I have the items available. I use broths for soups, sauces, and in casseroles.

Sometimes I get carried away when purchasing sale items. I find I have too many canned goods at the moment. When garden veggies are available, I don't use them. I guess I needed to take the season of the year into account when stocking up on bargains. But one can never have too many snack items, right? ;-)

I always have a list, but I also always seem to pick up 1-2 items not on my list due to me remembering when I get in the store that I am out of the product, also the store I shop at always has discounted items and usually it's always products that we use and if they are at a great price I will stock up.

I think its smart to keep your eyes open to unadvertised specials, almost every store has them...

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I just wanna live while I'm alive...

I always have a list, but i always end up with lots that is not on that list! Id like to blame it on my mind saying "oh that sounds so good" and a 4yr old who wants everything that has cartoon characters on it!

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Oh I do that too sometimes! Plus with the pregnancy cravings..sometimes I can't help myself!

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Bekah
Co-founder and CEO of the NOVITZKE FAMILY INC.

Yeah I sometimes get caught up at the damaged/discontinued cart! I love getting things like tissues and cereal at half price!

I have found that usually you can get the best deals within season. Exp: condiments are on sale (plus coupons come out) in the summer during grilling season. The baking stuff is usually front and center right now. Snacks are usually on sale during the "Back to School" times. I'm glad it's baking season because I need to re-stock my flour and my sugar stores!

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Bekah
Co-founder and CEO of the NOVITZKE FAMILY INC.

I find I have the most problem if I go to WalMart to get groceries that are not on my list, so that's why I don't shop there too often anymore. I shop Cashwise(local grocery store) and find I can stick to my list much easier. They have a little less selection than our Walmart, but that saves in our pocketbook. The less items to look at and think we need, the less money I spend!

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